Clinton County Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday at the old Central Office with all members present and a shorter than usual agenda.

Also present for the approximately 23 minute session was Clinton County Judge/Executive Ricky Craig and Albany Mayor Lyle Pierce.

Judge Craig opened the meeting with a moment of inspiration in prayer.

After adopting the meeting agenda, Superintendent Dr. Tim Parson gave his monthly report, touching on only a few items, including the reopening of in-person instruction.

Parson, who is in favor of in-person teaching if at all possible, again noted he did not feel the spread of the COVID-19 virus was primarily caused by in-person class instruction and hopes when students do return to class, unless the situation worsens, they can stay in school.

The superintendent also discussed a profile of graduates and a 12 member committee that has been formed to develop a criteria for skills students need for graduation at the high school level to prepare them for the workplace.

He also noted the local Facilities Planning Committee would begin its work in earnest, probably starting as early as next month.

Board member Bobbie Ann Stone also thanked the Foothills Community Church for recent help and donations.

Finance Director Mike Reeves also presented the monthly finance report, which was followed by a brief discussion and vote on the working budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year.

The general funds total budget is in the amount of $17,175,981 with the Food Service budget totaled $1,886,326 for the year.

The motion to approve the final of three budgets the board deals with each year was made by board member Gary Norris and passed unanimously.

The board, on a motion by Kevin Marcum, voted to establish a Mental Health Specialist certified position. Dr. Parson said the district had received a one year, $42,000 grant and the mental health specialist will be placed at the Early Childhood Center.

The board also approved the annual non-resident pupil contract with the Barren County School District and an agreement with Campbellsville University to allow student teachers to work in the local schools as part of their curriculum.

On a motion by Norris, the board, in conjunction with the city and county, approved a county-wide logo, which had been discussed last year and designed by a local educator.

The logo, with a Bulldog in between a circle, with the circle having the words City of Albany, Clinton County, Clinton County Schools, to show unity between the three entities and support of local government for the schools and students.

The board also approved, on a motion by Marcum, a Cooperative Interlocal Agreement with the city and county that would allow law enforcement to assist school district School Resource Officers (SRO) in situations where needed.

The schools would still be responsible for their own SRO on school property but this agreement would allow them county wide authority in some cases.

Dr. Parson said such instances may include truancy visits or cases when threats are made via the internet, among other certain situations when school personnel may need assistance with an in-home visit.

The board also approved the monthly consent items of approving minutes, subsequent disbursements, payment of bills and schedules prior to the meeting being adjourned with no public comments being made.

The school board’s next work session is scheduled for October 15 and next regular meeting for October 19, both at 5 p.m. at the old Central Office on Business 127 North.